Meador reminds ACU students of God's calm in chaos

For immediate release
August 26, 2002

Abilene Christian University opened its 97th session Monday at 11 a.m. with its annual Opening Session at Moody Coliseum. Dr. Prentice Meador, member of ACU's Board of Trustees and preaching minister at Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas, issued the opening address, focusing on the calm that God provides even in times of chaos.

Opening Session, conducted during the regular hour of the university's chapel service, began with a procession of the administration and faculty. Immediately following the academic procession, students carried the flags of the 49 states and 64 nations represented in this year's student body, creating a spectacular array of color and pageantry.

The devotional of the Opening Session was patterned after the first devotionals of every school year since the university was founded in 1906, including the hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name."

After introductions of educational, civic and government leaders, Meador addressed the assembly, speaking of the national tragedies of Sept. 11 and the ACU tragedy of losing five Nigerian students on Easter.

"Any time our towers crash, we ask questions: 'Where was God in all of this?' 'How should we respond?'" Meador said. "ACU alumni say that when the towers tumble, freedom is reborn. ACU is a Christian intellectual community that sees freedom as the best climate in which to glorify God. I love this university because it glorifies God."

"ACU alumni also say that when the towers tumble, faith is reborn. We aren't helpless pawns when chaos rises up to defeat us, when towers tumble, when wrecks take our friends. We are linked to God who brings calm to chaos."

Meador also spoke directly to ACU students.

"You have the freedom to have faith," Meador said. "To believe in the spiritual, to see beyond what meets the eye. Believe in principles enough to be great. Believe in Jesus and commit yourself to Him. Believe in goals that are good enough, in causes that are inclusive enough. And when you leave and join the long purple line of 84,000 alumni, go and do extraordinary things. Change the world."

Following Meador's address, the Opening Session concluded with the moving "Ceremony of Allegiance" and the presentation of the American flag.